The other night, our team had dinner with Willy Tee Ten, the big boss of the Autohub Group, the consortium that owns and manages such businesses as Mini, Rolls-Royce, Ford Global City, Click Auto Rental and V-Kool, among others. This year, that portfolio of motoring brands will welcome an exciting addition when the group brings in British sports carmaker Lotus.

Tee Ten revealed that the brand launch in our market could happen as early as July, although it could also be pushed back to a much later date this year owing to the challenges involved in putting up a new company in the country. The Lotus showroom will be constructed right beside those of Mini and Rolls Royce in Bonifacio Global City.

According to Tee Ten, they're currently in the process of finalizing their papers with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and that they could soon start firming up their orders. Asked if they already have buyers seriously waiting for units, he said yes.

Tee Ten added that the plan is to introduce all three models--the Elise, the Exige and the Evora--in the Philippines. The estimated pricing range? "It will be from P4.1 million for the entry-level Elise to about P10 million," he reckoned. We're guessing the most expensive model would be the Evora S, pictured above.

Lotus Cars, which was founded by legendary Formula 1 car designer Colin Chapman in 1952, is enjoying a sort of brand revival these days, thanks in large part to the marque's return to F1. Although the current Lotus F1 Team is owned by investment firm Genii Capital, there is no denying that the brand's recent involvement in the pinnacle of motorsports has helped it regain much of the popularity it lost after the original Team Lotus quit the sport at the end of the 1994 season.

@Cyverwin, if you want the X1 you already have a winner for yourself, since the X1 is a good product from BMW and the XV is also a good product too that also has plenty of goodies to start, afterall, it's brand preference and what you really like.

one.edchelle:

It's been awhile since I last messaged here! woohooo! Anyway, I love the new Civic RS Turbo

quick question...if the car i bought do not get the said km/l or fuel economy advertised by the company, is it a valid ground for fraud? and should companies be fined if they wrongfully advertise false claims such as fuel economy?

kalyeng2016:

Hi Topgear, where can I post road-relevant topics?

philmerc:

where are your forums now? Cant find on this site?

cocoa147:

Hello
Good Day
I'm an avid fan of Top Gear ever since and thanks to you guys I always get updated on what's the latest trends about automotive and etc.
I got a problem and I thought you could help me on this one. I did some research but I just wanted to hear it from the best. The ABS warning light is always turned on even while driving. The question/s 1.) Is that normal? 2.) Would other components be affected if ABS warning light were on even while driving? 3.) Does it cost much?
I'

grayt168:

Hi Top Gear, I'm looking to buy a Crossover or SUV. My budget is around 1M. Criteria is durability, low maintenance and fuel efficiency. Kindly suggest options. Should I just wait for Honda W-RV?

Springman:

Hi Top Gear. I'm looking for a hatchback car for my college kid. My budget is 600k. I'm thinking of getting Mitsubishi Mirage but if you can recommend a better one then I would really appreciate it. I don't really know much about cars, that's why I went here. Thanks!